UPDATE: 9-Year-Old From Northeast El Paso Dies Of H1N1 Flu

by ABC-7 Reporter/Anchor Abe Lubetkin

EL PASO, Texas — Lab tests confirm a 9-year-old boy from El Paso died from the H1N1 virus. His is the 10th death in the county linked to the virus.

It comes after the child was hospitalized late last week.

Nine-year-old Brandon Gonzalez was a fourth-grader at Nixon Elementary School in Northeast El Paso.

One student who knew Brandon said this week has been a somber one since students learned of his death earlier this week.

“He was a friend. He was nice, kind and funny,” said Darien. Darien said he remembers “all the times we played together. All the times we saw each other. Old memories.”

Health officials confirmed Wednesday afternoon that a 9-year-old died from the virus. El Paso ISD officials say they found out at the same time.

Now district officials say they are notifying parents.

But they say, while their hearts go out to the family, they are not changing their policy regarding H1N1 and schools.

“At all 94 campuses, cleaning high traffic areas, sending preventative information to students – to cover their eyes their nose their mouth when they cough – and to continue washing their hands,” said Berenice Zubia, El Paso ISD spokeswoman.

District officials plan to notify parents districtwide about the death.

Earlier this week, city health officials announced a 7-month-old baby from Central El Paso died due to the H1N1 flu. The baby had underlying health conditions, officials said.

On Oct. 26, officials reported that a 75-year-old woman from Central El Paso was the county’s eighth death related to the H1N1 flu. The woman also had underlying health conditions, according to the Department of Public Health.

A memorial fund has been set up for the Gonzalez family:

Brandon Gonzalez Memorial Account

Any Wells Fargo Location

Account Number 7039662866